Can't understand why one can afford a $3000 over camera and yet is willing to risk it for a 50 dollar battery?

My guess is that you haven't seen a melted battary in a XHA1, well I can tell you it is not a pretty sight. I saw my friends one melted inside the XHA1 and I can tell you the repairs is going to cost you more then you think you ever save on a third party battery.

Even insurance doesn't cover it. So for the piece of mind, I bought the original canon battery. At least I can sleep at night when I charge the battery.

Well I am just about ready to order the camera but wanted to know if the Impact batteries are any good or if I should stick with Canon batteries. Also what do you use for an on board light with this camera?

A number of people have had issues with 3rd party batteries not fitting properly and having a little trouble getting the batteries out. Some have resorted to adding bits of gaffers tape to the battery to give you a tab to pull on. I personally use a Large Power 2000 3rd party battery and have no issues and it ejects just fine without issues.

Hi Kevin
I use an IDX X3 35watt output for 11 watts in. LED so nice and cool. nice and light as well.
No problems, distributed here in Aus with barn doors and filters. If you don't need a 100watt cook top I recommend it.

I have a mix of impacts and canon batteries. I think the impact lasts a bit longer between charges. Overall I'm very happy with the battery life with the A1. I did have an impact for my HV20 that died within 6 months- I think it's still under warranty though.

For a light I the Varizoom Swift S-2010 which can be purchased with the canon adaptor so you can use a standard Canon camera battery to run. The adaptor mounts on the camera handle. Light has a dimmer and 4 way barn door, filter, diffuser. Here's the B&H link but I don't see the canon adaptor, only the sony.

Impact battery do lasts longer than the canon since it's a higher capacity bat, costs alot cheaper, and works like a charm (no issues whatsoever like the ones mentioned above). I got the Impact IMBP970 BP-970 Battery Pack - 7.2v, 7200mAh for $99.95 @ bhphotovideo.com.

If you are looking for the bang for the buck set of lights then go for the Anton Bauer ANUL26 UL2-6 Ultralight w/ ANULSB UL-SB SoftBox. I got these from the same place as well. As recommended from other threads, use this with 35w bulbs.

Impact batteries are a gamble as are some of the other after market brands. I have one for my A1 that works great and I have some for my Canon still cameras that work great too. However, I also have 2 Impacts that don't work because they don't fit right. It's a hard choice because when they work, the Impacts are a lot cheaper.

I have used Lenmar after market batteries over the years with success. No noticeable difference between them and similar rated Canon in XL1 or GL1. However, be aware that some older Lenmar models (e.g., the LIC941) may not fit the A1 because they are a hair too large for the compartment. The LIC950 fits, and I hear the LIC970 fits, and appear to work OK in the A1.

If you are looking for the bang for the buck set of lights then go for the Anton Bauer ANUL26 UL2-6 Ultralight w/ ANULSB UL-SB SoftBox. I got these from the same place as well. As recommended from other threads, use this with 35w bulbs.

John, the UL2-6 is a 12volt light and has a powertap connector, the XHA1 is 7volt and no PT out, how are you powering that light?